Obituary of Mary Etta Bray

Mary Etta Myers was born in Murphy, North Carolina on March 10, 1926. She was one of five children born from the union of Samuel and Bertha Myers. Mary attended school in Maryville, Tennessee graduating high school with the class of 1944. She continued her education in Knoxville, Tennessee where she would graduate from business college. Mary moved to Monroe, Michigan from Maryville in 1970. Soon after she would marry the love of her life, Dan Bray, on July 9 1970 at the Free Methodist Church in LaSalle. Together the couple would share in the adoption of a beautiful daughter, Darlene. For twenty-six years, Mary was employed in the office at Alcoa, Inc. an aluminum manufacturing company. Mary enjoyed staying busy with her numerous hobbies. These included: sewing, knitting, canning, and freezing and dehydrating food. Mary loved to be outside and to work her flower garden. She also stayed very active at her home church, Monroe Missionary Baptist, where she was a member of the JOYS and served in various mission groups over the years. Mary was known to be quiet, kind and sweet. She liked to smile at complete strangers to just brighten their day. Mary liked to put her family first, and loved to spend time with each and every one of them. She especially adored her grandbabies. Mary Etta Bray, age 91, of Monroe passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Wellsprings Lutheran Services. She had been under the care of Promedica Monroe Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents and four siblings: Fannie (Myers) Reece, Glen Myers, Willa Mae (Myers) Boyes, and Ruth (Myers) Busch. To cherish her memory she leaves a beloved husband of nearly forty-seven years: Dan Bray of Monroe; one daughter: Darlene (Anthony) Vicari; and two grandchildren: Linnea Vicari and Joseph Vicari. Friends may gather from 10:00am until 12:00pm on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 12:00pm also at Merkle’s with Reverend Roy Southerland pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Private burial will take place at 10:30am on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.